Shipping souvenirs from Italy and France

Hello "neighbor!" We bought wine in Montalcino at an enoteca, and in Chianti at the vineyard/farm. Both arranged shipping. You will find some "inclusive" prices, and some where it is extra. A little pricey, but we were thrilled to have that exclusive and special wine all winter. (Still hoarding a few bottles of the 24 we bought.) We bought leather goods in Montalcino too, and dragged them along to Orvieto in our car. But the rest of our trip was via rail and we did not want the extra bags. We found a "UPS Store" in Orvieto and shipped it all. Yes, it was expensive, but better than schlepping! I tucked small items like jewelry, scarves, a couple of small toys, calendars, & chocolate in my bag.

Thanks! I was thinking along similar lines...bringing scarves etc home with me but really do not want to carry "breakables". We will be there for 3 wks with one carry-on!

Shipping will be expensive if you do it yourself. However, if the merchant does it most likely the VAT tax will be deducted and may pay for the shipping. We shipped some Christmas ornaments home from Rottenburg last Christmas and the VAT savings paid for the shipping. Shipping wine can be a different problem because each state has it only rules and regulation concerning importing of liquor. Some states prohibit private importation so check with your state.

Yes! Do check with your local state government before you ship any wine (or vinegar even) back to the states to be sure you can do so! Also, have the merchant do the shipping if possible. They know the forms to be filled out, regulations, etc. Note: The scarves will be easy to pack....I have done that several times, but I do hve the second suitcase usually. If you are bringing back breakables in your luggage, suggest you pack a tupperware type container in the bag as you travel. Insures a more safe transport for any breakable item - pottery, wine, etc. If you can, get your olive oil in a metal container...

Meghan, I am so pleased that you posed that question. We are leaving for France, Germany and Italy for three weeks in May and plan to have one backpack each and travel by rail. I know we will want to purchase some special gifts but also realize our limitations. I am glad to know shipping things home is the best way to handle it. I am really getting excited to travel!

Another option is carry on only going. But checked bag coming back. Remember why it is you are trying to avoid checking luggage. I have had several friends do this. Having your luggage try and catch up with in Europe particularly if you are moving away from the airport quickly is a real pain so it is best to carry what you need onto the airplane. And shopping for the items lost if you never get your luggage can interrupt travel plans. OTOH If it takes an extra day or two for your delayed bag to arrive at your house when you get home it isn't really much of big deal. Best to pack things you don't care much about (like your dirty underwear) in the checked bag and bring the valued souvenirs on the plane. Of course olive oil and wine need to be checked.

In 10 yrs have had success w/shipping from merchants. Deruta pottery, Venetian Carnevale masks, French wine, custom painted Delft china, Italian wine, large Turkish rug, framed art, Bohemian crystal, Murano glass, Spanish pottery, Greek pottery. My first trip I went to UPS and shipped books with my purchased packaging from England to US for 30 pounds - took 6 months to arrive. Won't make that mistake again. Merchants know how to pack and want your treasures to arrive intact. Only breakage was some crystal from Prague but I should've had a clue when one glass broke while newly hired clerk was packaging it. I usually pay cash for deeper discounts but on bigger items you may want the safety net a credit card provides. Don't ship stuff back you can get for comparable prices here (like olive oil). For example, paid 315 Euros for large Deruta wine vat - including shipping, insurance, and w/o VAT. Similar Deruta vat here retails for $800-$900. Take pictures & buy insurance. Was promptly reimbursed for broken crystal. Have hand carried much but love freedom provided by shipping (no overweight charges, lighter load) plus have spent more time talking with the artists when we work out shipping making my treasures more special! On-line travel retailers sell bottle wraps for checked baggage (used for Ouzo)- but have had great success with merchant packed souvenirs to put in luggage. Last suggestion - use TSA locks on luggage - lost beautiful red leather Florentine briefcase to an airline employee thief in Lisbon airport. Got my money back from the airline but nothing can replace my perfect red briefcase!

Two options I've used that were reasonable: Buying an extra bag from a street vendor and checking a bag on the way home. Check your dirty clothes and carry on your souvenirs (if possible). Using a military facility if you can. When I was active duty overseas (things may have changed) the US Postal Service charged a dirt cheap parcel rate from overseas bases. Plan on weeks, however, before they are delivered. Other shipping methods I've considered resulted in pretty major sticker shock.

In France, you can buy a standard shipping box (of various sizes and cost) for a flat rate. Anything you can get in the box ships for that price. We use it every year to ship back anything heavy, but have never used one for wine.